| Billy Elliot | |
|---|---|
West End Poster |
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| Music | Sir Elton John |
| Lyrics | Lee Hall |
| Book | Lee Hall |
| Basis | 2000 Film Billy Elliot |
| Productions | 2005 West End 2007 Sydney 2008 Broadway 2008 Melbourne 2010 US National Tour 2010 Seoul 2010 2nd National Tour |
| Awards | Olivier Award for Best New Musical Tony Award for Best Musical |
Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by Sir Elton John, and book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay. The plot revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the UK miners' strike (1984–1985) in County Durham, in North Eastern England. Hall's screenplay was inspired in part by A. J. Cronin's 1935 novel, The Stars Look Down about an earlier miners' strike, to which the musical's opening song pays homage.[1]
The musical premiered in London's West End in 2005 and was nominated for nine Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four including Best New Musical. The production is still running strongly, and its success led to productions in Australia, on Broadway and elsewhere. In New York, it won ten Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards, including, in each case, best musical. It has also won numerous awards in Australia including a record-tying seven Helpmann Awards.
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The musical was planned to premiere at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. This was abandoned due to the financial problems of the Tyne Theatre's operator and the production's growing budget.[2]
The musical premiered in the West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre, opening in previews on 31 March 2005 and officially on 11 May 2005; it is still running today, with the booking date recently being extended to 15 December 2012. It reportedly cost £5.5 million to produce (the original film version cost $5 million).[3] The producers were Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions Plc and David Furnish. It was directed by Stephen Daldry and choreographed by Peter Darling, as was the original film. Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire were the original actors who alternated in the title role, and the supporting cast included Haydn Gwynne as Mrs. Wilkinson and Tim Healy as Billy's father. The sets were designed by Ian MacNeil, and the costumes were by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting was by Rick Fisher, and sound by Paul Arditti. The original cast album was released on 10 January 2006.
The musical received favourable reviews: the Daily Telegraph's Charles Spencer called it "the greatest British musical I have ever seen", and The Daily Mail thought it "a theatrical masterpiece".[4]
Billy Elliot the Musical won four Laurence Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Actor (awarded jointly to James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower, the boys who played Billy), Best Sound design and Best Choreographer. It also won the Evening Standard Award as well as the Critcs Circle Award and the Theatregoers Choice Award, all for Best Musical.[5] On 12 May 2006, the three original Billys appeared together in a performance of the musical to celebrate its first anniversary. The three rotated the role during the performance and were joined at the end by Sir Elton John.
Billy Youth Theatre[6] is a countrywide scheme as part of which participating schools and youth groups will be given the opportunity to stage their own production of this internationally award-winning show. Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, together with Martin Koch (Musical Supervision and Orchestrations), have adapted their original script and orchestrations to produce a shortened version of the show exclusively for groups staging local productions as part of Billy Youth Theatre.
The musical opened at Sydney's Capitol Theatre on 13 November 2007, directed by Daldry in association with Julian Webber, and choreographed by Darling.[7] Rhys Kosakowski, Lochlan Denholm, Rarmian Newton, and Nick Twiney alternated in the title role. The production earned good notices, and in January 2008 it won Best Musical at the 2008 Sydney Theatre Awards.[8] The show also won seven Helpmann Awards, including the awards for Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Actress (Genevieve Lemon as Mrs. Wilkinson) and Best Actor, awarded jointly to the four boys who played Billy Elliot.[9] The production concluded in Sydney on 9 November 2008 with all eight Sydney Billys in the finale.
The Sydney production transferred to Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre, opening on 13 December 2008.[10] The Melbourne production closed on 14 June 2009 after a successful run.[11]
The Broadway production opened at the Imperial Theatre on 1 October 2008 in previews and officially on 13 November 2008.[12] The London production's creative team directed and designed the Broadway production.[5] The title role was rotated among three young actors, David Álvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik, the last of whom had played the role in London.[13] The supporting cast included Haydn Gwynne, reprising her role of Mrs. Wilkinson from the London production, and Gregory Jbara as Billy's father. The production received rave reviews:[14] Time called it a "triumph"; critic Liz Smith termed it "breathtakingly brilliant" and "absolutely, unequivocally awesome"; the Daily News said it was "so exhilarating that at times you feel like leaping";[15] the New York Post said it was "almost like being in love" and termed it "amusing, perfect and passionate" and "the best show you will ever see"; and the Los Angeles Times called it a "global theatrical phenomenon".[16] It has also been very financially successful, with $20 million taken in advance ticket sales.[14] The production received fifteen Tony Award nominations, tying with The Producers for the most nominations ever received by a Broadway show,[17] and winning ten. The original three boys in the lead role jointly won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. The production recouped its original investment of $18 million in 14 months and, as of 2010, continues to sell strongly.[18] On 3 October 2011, it was announced that the Broadway Production will close on 8 January 2012 following 40 previews and 1,304 regular performances.[19]
Although considered to be the First National Tour, the show did not tour as the usual touring production would, with longer engagements in Chicago,and Toronto.
The musical opened in Chicago on 18 March 2010 in previews, officially on 11 April, at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre for an extended run. This is the start of the North American multi-city tour.[20] According to producer Eric Fellner, however, the musical "will be here until such time as Chicago says 'go away'. ... We can only do one production at once," and other North American cities will have to wait until the Chicago production runs its course.[21] Emily Skinner plays Mrs. Wilkinson, and the cast features Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio, Cesar Corrales and John Peter (J.P.) Viernes alternating as Billy.[22] The production closed early on 28 November 2010 and transferred to Toronto. The show ran for 37 weeks and 288 performances.[23]
The production had been slated to run through July 2010 but was extended to the middle of January 2011, by popular demand. But by September, ticket sales were growing bleak. According to the Chicago Tribune, "Weekday attendance had been especially poor in recent weeks, despite heavily discounted tickets. Audience members at the Oriental Theatre in the Loop had reported an almost-empty balcony at some shows, and weekday attendance had been as low as 900 or so people. December sales are typically strong, so the decision to close then indicated that things were not expected to pick up." The show closed "early" in November 2010. [24]
The Canadian premiere of the show opened on 1 February 2011 at the Canon Theatre in Toronto, Canada. It was originally scheduled for 28 January 2011.[25][26][27]
The show received mostly glowing reviews, Toronto Times exclaiming "ALL HAIL BILLY AND LONG MAY HE REIGN." The most critical review was one published in the National Post: "The signal achievement of Billy Elliot The Musical is to be even phonier than the movie it’s based on."[28]
The show was extended, due to packed audiences and seemingly undying interest, for an additional 3 months.
A second tour opened at the Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, North Carolina on 30 October 2010. Although this is the first production of the musical to tour the United States and Canada in a "touring" manner, this is still considered to be the Second National Tour.[29] Following its run in Durham, the tour played in Houston, Texas and Portland, Oregon before opening at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco on 27 June 2011. The show will play there through 21 August, about four weeks shorter than the schedule which was originally announced. Faith Prince plays Mrs. Wilkinson, and the title role is shared by J.P. Viernes, Ethan Fuller, Kylend Hetherington, Lex Ishimoto and Daniel Russell. The cast also includes Rich Hebert (Dad), Patti Perkins (Grandma), Jeff Kready (Tony), Joel Blum (George), Griffin Birney and Jacob Zelonky (Michael), Regan Haley (Tracey), and Rachel Mracna (Debbie).[30]
The musical opened in Seoul on 10 August 2010 in previews, officially on 14 August, at the LG Arts Center, becoming the first non-English speaking Billy Elliot's production, starring Billys Jin-Ho Jung, Ji-Myeong Lee, Sunu Lim, Se-Yong Kim and Junhyung Kim.[31][32]
In County Durham, during the 1984-85 coal miners' strike ("The Stars Look Down"), motherless eleven-year-old Billy inadvertently finds his way out of his boxing practice and as the only boy in a ballet class run by Mrs. Wilkinson and becomes attracted to the grace of the dance ("Shine"). While his brother, father and neighbours are on strike and clash with riot police, he continues to take dance lessons, keeping it a secret from his family. The secret is at first easily kept, as the only person home at the time is his grandmother, who reveals her abusive relationship with her dead husband and that she too loved to dance, which made everything all right ("Grandma's Song"). Billy forms a friendship with Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter Debbie.
The boxing coach informs Billy's dad that the boy hasn't been to practice in months, and Mr. Elliot erupts, realising Billy has spent the money he gave his son for boxing on something else ("Solidarity"), a number which intersperses the violent, riotous reality with the girls peacefully practicing their ballet routines in a fictional but tranquil world. When Mr. Elliot discovers where his son has been, he storms into the ballet class and forbids Billy from attending the lessons. Mrs. Wilkinson, who is supportive of Billy and recognizes his talent, privately suggests he come to the studio for free solo lessons, and he improves to a level beyond that of the rest of the class. Eventually, she encourages him to audition for the Royal Ballet School in London. Meanwhile, Billy's best friend Michael is beginning to understand his homosexuality. He persuades Billy to have fun with him by dressing up in women's clothing and disdaining the restrictive inhibitions of their working class community ("Expressing Yourself"). Billy continues to take private ballet lessons, bonding with Mrs. Wilkinson and developing an impressive routine for his audition ("Dear Billy (Mum's Letter)/Born to Boogie"). Meanwhile, Billy's father and brother Tony are engaged in daily battles with riot police that often turn bloody. They struggle to support the family with very little in strike and union pay, a difficult task that goes on for nearly a year.
When the day of the Royal Ballet School audition comes, Mrs. Wilkinson arrives to pick up Billy. However, his family and some members of the community have gathered at the Elliot home, and she is forced to reveal that she has been teaching Billy ballet in preparation for this very day. This news upsets Billy’s father and Tony, who pushes the boy around, calls him names and embarrasses him in front of everyone. This setback sends Billy into a rage, and for nearly a year he stays away from everything related to ballet ("Angry Dance").
At Christmas time in the community centre, the children put on a show disparaging Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who is seen as the antagonist by the coal miners ("Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher"). Billy's father gets drunk and sings an old folk song that elicits memories of his deceased wife and the usually stoic man leaves in tears ("Deep Into the Ground"). Left alone with Billy in the Community Centre, Michael reveals he has feelings for him, but Billy explains that although he likes ballet, he is not gay. Nonetheless, he lets Michael give him a kiss on the cheek. Michael leaves, and Billy feels like dancing for the first time since the day of the aborted audition ("Swan Lake"). From the door, his father watches Billy's dance routine and, overcome with emotion, he goes to Mrs. Wilkinson’s house to discuss Billy’s prospects as a dancer. She confirms Billy's talent, but is not sure whether or not he would get into the Royal Ballet School. They discuss the cost of tuition, an amount well beyond Mr. Elliot's means. He leaves questioning his working-class pride and the future mining has for his boys.
Mr. Elliot decides the only way to help Billy is to return to work. When Tony sees his father cross the picket line, he becomes infuriated and the two argue over what is more important: unity of the miners or helping Billy achieve his dream ("He Could Be A Star"). The argument eventually comes to blows and Billy is hit accidentally. One by one, the miners side with Billy's quest and offer the boy their strike pay, but Billy still can’t afford the bus fare to London. A strike-breaker offers him hundreds of pounds from his wage, and an enraged Tony attempts to shun his efforts, but Billy accepts nonetheless. Now drained of hope, Tony dismally ponders whether there's a point for anything anymore, and runs off.
Billy and his father arrive at the Royal Ballet School for the audition. While Mr. Elliot waits outside, an upper-crust Londoner highlights the contrast between the Elliots and the families of the other applicants. Mr. Elliot meets a dancer with a thick Northern accent. The dancer confesses that his father does not support his ballet career. He sharply advises Mr. Elliot to "get behind" his boy. Billy nervously finishes the audition with a sinking feeling that he did not do well. As he packs his gear, he lets that emotion overwhelm him, and he punches another auditioner in the face. The audition committee reminds Billy of the strict standards of the school. They have received an enthusiastic letter from Mrs. Wilkinson explaining Billy's background and situation, and they ask him to describe what he feels when he dances. Billy responds with a heartfelt declaration of his passion ("Electricity").
Back in Durham, the Elliots resume life as usual. Billy receives a letter from the school and, overwhelmed and fearful, knowing that it heralds the end of the life he has known, informs his family that he wasn't accepted. Tony retrieves the letter from the waste bin and discovers that his brother was accepted. At the same time, the miners have decided to return to work resigned to the fact they are a part of a dying industry and a withering community, but take comfort that Billy at least will rise from the ashes to greatness. Billy says goodbye to the miners ("Once We Were Kings"), Mrs. Wilkinson (thanking her for everything she did to help him) and Debbie, who will miss him ("Dear Mum (Billy's Reply)"). Michael arrives to say goodbye, and Billy gives him a friendly kiss on the cheek ("Finale"), leaving the past behind him and his bright future ahead of him.
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The principal original cast of the West End, Broadway and Korea productions:
| Character | Original London Cast[33] | Original Broadway Cast | Korea Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Elliot | Liam Mower James Lomas George Maguire |
Kiril Kulish David Álvarez Trent Kowalik |
Seyong Kim Jimyung Lee Jinho jung Junhyung Park Sunu Lim |
| Michael Caffrey | Ryan Longbottom Ashley Luke Lloyd Brad Kavanagh |
David Bologna Frank Dolce |
Bumjun Kim Sunghun Lee |
| Debbie Wilkinson | Lucy Stephenson Emma Hudson Brooke Havana Bailey |
Erin Whyland | Yeeun Park |
| Georgia Wilkinson | Haydn Gwynne | Youngjoo Jung | |
| Jackie Elliot | Tim Healy | Gregory Jbara | Wonhee Joe |
| Tony Elliot | Joe Caffrey | Santino Fontana | Jaehyun Lim |
| Grandma | Ann Emery | Carole Shelley | Jusil Lee |
| Mr. Braithwaite | Steve Elias | Thommie Retter | Wonryung Jang |
| George | Trevor Fox | Joel Hatch | Gunsu Ham |
| Jenny Elliot | Stephanie Putson | Leah Hocking | Munhee Lim |
| Billy Elliot (age 25) | Issac James | Stephen Hanna | Hyunji Shin |
Original casts lists for the other productions, and additional cast information for London and New York can be found at Billy Elliot the Musical casts.
The West End production was nominated for nine 2006 Laurence Olivier Awards and won four, including Best New Musical. At age thirteen, Liam Mower was the youngest actor to win the award, and the actors playing Billy were the first to win the award in a shared capacity. Lomas, Maguire, and Mower also jointly received the Theatre Goers' Choice Award 2005 for The Most Promising Newcomer. The production also won The Evening Standard Award 2005, among others.[48] The Sydney production was nominated for eleven 2008 Helpmann Awards and won seven, including Best Musical. The Melbourne production was nominated for eleven 2008 Green Room Awards and won six, including Best Production Music Theatre. The Broadway production received 15 Tony Award nominations in 2009, tied with The Producers for the most nominations ever received by a single show.[17] It won ten Tony Awards, including the Best Musical. The lead actor award was shared by the three boys who opened in the title role, marking the first time in Tony history the award has been shared by three actors.[49] The production was also nominated for ten Drama Desk Awards, winning all ten, including Outstanding Musical, and for nine 2008-09 Outer Critics Circle Awards, wining seven, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and also received a Special Achievement Award for its three Billys.[50]
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Laurence Olivier Award | Best New Musical | Won | |
| Best Actor in a Musical | James Lomas | Won | ||
| George Maguire | ||||
| Liam Mower | ||||
| Best Actress in a Musical | Haydn Gwynne | Nominated | ||
| Best Performance in a Supporting Role | Tim Healy | Nominated | ||
| Best Director | Stephen Daldry | Nominated | ||
| Best Theatre Choreographer | Peter Darling | Won | ||
| Best Set Design | Ian McNeil | Nominated | ||
| Best Lighting Design | Rick Fisher | Nominated | ||
| Best Sound Design | Paul Arditti | Won | ||
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Helpmann Award | Best Musical | Won | |
| Best Male Actor in a Musical | Rhys Kosakowski | Won | ||
| Rarmian Newton | ||||
| Lochlan Denholm | ||||
| Nick Twiney | ||||
| Best Female Actor in a Musical | Genevieve Lemon | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Male Actor in a Musical | Linal Haft | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Female Actor in a Musical | Lola Nixon | Nominated | ||
| Best Direction of a Musical | Stephen Daldry | Won | ||
| Best Choreography | Peter Darling | Won | ||
| Best Scenic Design | Ian McNeil | Nominated | ||
| Best Lighting Design | Rick Fisher | Won | ||
| Best Music Direction | Stephen Amos | Won | ||
| Best Sound Design | Paul Arditti | Nominated | ||
| Green Room Award | Best Production Music Theatre | Won | ||
| Best Male Artist in a Leading Role | Rhys Kosakowski | Won | ||
| Michael Dameski | ||||
| Joshua Denyer | ||||
| Dayton Tavares | ||||
| Joshua Waiss Gates | ||||
| Richard Piper | Nominated | |||
| Best Female Artist in a Leading Role | Genevieve Lemon | Won | ||
| Best Featured Male Artist | Liam Dodds | Won | ||
| Thomas Doherty | ||||
| Landen Hale-Brown | ||||
| Joel Slater | ||||
| Mike Smith | Nominated | |||
| Best Direction Music Theatre | Stephen Daldry | Won | ||
| Best Choreography in a Musical | Peter Darling | Won | ||
| Best Lighting Design and Sound | Rick Fisher | Nominated | ||
| Best Musical Direction | Stephen Amos | Nominated | ||
| Best Costume and/or Set Design | Nicky Gillibrand | Nominated | ||
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Korean Musical Award | Best Foreign Musical | Won | |
| Best New Actor | Se-yong Kim | Won | ||
| Ji-myung Lee | ||||
| Jin-ho Jung | ||||
| Sunu Lim | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Young-joo Chung | Won | ||
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